Why women live longer than men, explained by evolution

A study by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and 15 other global collaborators analyzed lifespan differences between male and female mammals and birds across 1,176 species. The research found that in most mammal species (72%), females lived an average of twelve percent longer than males, while in most bird species (68%), males had five percent longer lifespans. These patterns suggest evolutionary factors influence longevity, with mating strategies playing a role; intense competition for mates shortens male lifespan in mammals but not in monogamous birds where males often outlive females. The study also noted that the gap between sexes is wider in wild populations than in zoos, indicating both genetic and environmental influences on lifespan differences.

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